Our story.

How it all started:

Pachamama is a small, family-run yoga retreat in Varkala, India, created in 2018 by two brothers, Manoj and Jithu, originally from Odisha.

Manoj, deeply connected to the path of yoga, spent many years in the north of India: in places like Rishikesh and other spiritual regions where he began his journey, studied with traditional teachers, and started sharing yoga. Over time, he carried this experience with him to Kerala, with the intention of creating a simple space where yoga could be practiced in a quiet, honest way. Today, he lives in Iceland, where he continues to teach and share his practice, and returns to Kerala during the high season to lead TTC courses.

Jithu’s path unfolded differently. While working as a cook in Kerala, he met Raji, an Ayurvedic therapist. They built a life together here, and it was a natural decision for them to stay. When Pachamama began, Jithu brought his warmth, his cooking, and his way of taking care of people into the space, while Raji added her knowledge of Ayurveda and healing.

Today, Pachamama is lovingly run by Jithu and Raji. Together, they take care of everything ; from daily yoga classes and treatments to the meals and the small details that make people feel comfortable.

Life here is unhurried. Mornings begin with gentle, traditional yoga. Meals are freshly prepared, often using ingredients from the garden. The rest of the day is open. For rest, for reading, for quiet time, or simply being. We’ve chosen to keep Pachamama small, so every guest feels looked after. It’s not a big retreat center. It’s a quiet, welcoming home where everything is done with attention and care.